Parqal

Parqal, located in Manila, Philippines, is Aseana City’s flagship project and the first naturally-ventilated development in Manila. The 650m retail strip, broken down by 5-minute walks between Spanish-inspired plazas, offers leisure activities and office spaces. The masterplan integrates quality public spaces with retail and F&B, creating attractive gathering areas. Open space and parkland design unify the development, offering leisure, dining, retail, and creative working experiences.
The architectural style of the buildings is a modern approach to the "Bahay na Bato" typology, a blend of Spanish Vernacular and Traditional Chinese styles. The façade features three main finishes - Corrugated Aluminium Cladding, Fibre Cement Board Cladding, and Timber Cladding, used alternately to break visual uniformity.
To enhance connectivity, buildings are divided into smaller blocks, creating more streets and improving access in and out of Parqal. Elevated walkways create direct connections to neighbouring developments. The design allows for natural cross-ventilation while landscaped areas provide passive cooling and sun shading. The façade uses a mix of solid elements and glass to allow natural light and regulate internal temperatures for energy efficiency.
The entire length of the development is enveloped by a "floating canopy" that serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City's masterplan. The lightweight canopy takes an undulating and organic form that protects the retail environment from the rain while also allowing for natural ventilation. The use of ETFE allows extensive green areas with substantial trees and can withstand high tension in seismic regions like Manila. Parqal showcases modern architecture inspired by traditional Filipino styles, with locally sourced materials, offering a functional, sustainable, and visually stunning environment.